Former Navy chief explains why Trump’s small boats suggestion won’t work

WorldPolitics
20 Sep 2025 • 12:19 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Donald Trump suggested the UK deploy its military to halt illegal migration across the English Channel, claiming it would prevent countries from being "destroyed."
  • Admiral Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, dismissed Trump's proposal as "a load of nonsense," explaining that the Navy is already involved but cannot return boats to France, rendering such intervention ineffective.
  • Labour minister Peter Kyle acknowledged the Royal Navy could be called upon if necessary, despite widespread criticism of the idea.
  • Critics, including Tan Dhesi and Tobias Ellwood, argued that the military is already overstretched and that previous attempts, like Operation Isotrope, have failed, highlighting the impracticality of returning migrants to France.

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